Senactiv Actigin
Also known as: Senactiv®, Actigin, Panax notoginseng (root extract), Rosa roxburghii (fruit extract), Panax notoginseng and Rosa roxburghii extract blend
Overview
Senactiv® is a patented blend of *Panax notoginseng* root and *Rosa roxburghii* fruit extracts, primarily marketed to enhance exercise performance, recovery, and muscle health. *Panax notoginseng* is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, while *Rosa roxburghii* is a fruit native to Asia. Senactiv is also promoted for its potential senolytic effects, which involve clearing senescent cells and providing anti-aging benefits. Research suggests that Senactiv® may increase ATP production, accelerate glycogen replenishment, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle tissue. However, it's important to note that the majority of evidence is derived from proprietary or small-scale human studies, and there is a need for more independent, peer-reviewed RCTs to validate these findings. The quality of available evidence is considered early to intermediate, with emerging but not yet robust human clinical data.
Benefits
Senactiv® has shown potential benefits in several areas, primarily related to exercise performance and recovery. Proprietary studies indicate that it may increase high-intensity exercise performance by up to 20% and triple muscle glycogen accumulation rate post-exercise. It may also accelerate glycogen replenishment, with one study reporting a 2.7-fold increase within 3 hours. Additionally, Senactiv® may have senolytic effects, reducing senescent cells in active muscles, which could improve muscle quality. Secondary benefits include potential anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in oxygen utilization and VO₂ max. These benefits have been primarily studied in athletes and older adults, with potentially more pronounced effects in those experiencing age-related muscle decline. While the performance improvements and glycogen replenishment effects appear clinically significant for athletes, the senolytic effects require further validation in larger, independent studies.
How it works
Senactiv® is believed to work through several biological pathways. Its senolytic activity promotes the clearance of senescent cells via macrophage activation and phagocytosis. It also impacts energy metabolism by increasing citrate synthase activity, which boosts ATP production. Furthermore, it accelerates post-exercise glycogen replenishment. The primary targets of Senactiv® are skeletal muscle and the immune system, specifically macrophages. At the molecular level, it influences citrate synthase, AMPK, and pathways involved in cellular senescence and inflammation. While there is limited data on the absorption and bioavailability of its active constituents (notoginsenosides and polyphenols), they are considered to have moderate but variable bioavailability.
Side effects
Senactiv® is generally considered safe at the studied doses, with no major safety concerns reported in available clinical studies. However, comprehensive data on side effects is limited. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been reported in the available literature. Due to the presence of *Panax notoginseng*, caution is advised when using Senactiv® with anticoagulants, as it may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of safety data in these populations. It is also not recommended for children. While it may be beneficial for older adults, more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in this population. Long-term safety data is currently lacking, necessitating caution with prolonged use.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Senactiv® is not well established, but typical doses range from 50–100 mg/day of the proprietary blend, based on available supplement formulations. While a maximum safe dose has not been established, no toxicity has been reported at the recommended doses. It is often taken pre- or post-workout to enhance performance and recovery. Senactiv® is available in capsule form or as part of multi-ingredient supplements. It is suggested to take it with food to enhance the absorption of polyphenols. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its activity.
FAQs
Is Senactiv® safe?
Senactiv® is generally considered safe at recommended doses, but long-term safety data is lacking. Caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulants due to the presence of *Panax notoginseng*.
When is the best time to take Senactiv®?
Pre- or post-workout dosing is common for performance and recovery benefits, but the optimal timing is not well-studied. Consistency in timing is likely more important than the specific time of day.
What results can I expect from taking Senactiv®?
Users may experience improved exercise performance, faster recovery, and potential anti-aging benefits in muscle tissue. However, it is not a substitute for exercise and its effects are modest and require ongoing use.
Is Senactiv® a substitute for exercise?
No, Senactiv® is not a substitute for exercise. Its benefits are adjunctive, meaning it enhances the effects of exercise rather than replacing it. Regular physical activity remains crucial for overall health and muscle function.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34702909/ – This systematic review examined the effects of exercise on muscle quality in older adults. While it highlights the benefits of exercise for improving muscle health, it does not specifically address the effects of Senactiv®. The review included multiple studies with a sample size of n≥30 per group in included RCTs.
- https://nulivscience.com/senactiv-eliminates-senescent-cells-exercising-muscles/ – This proprietary study suggests that Senactiv® reduces senescent cells in active muscles and improves muscle quality. However, the study's details, including sample size and duration, are not fully disclosed, and it lacks independent peer review, limiting its overall quality and requiring further validation.
- https://firstendurance.com/products/optygenhp – This is a product page for OptigenHP, a supplement that contains Senactiv. It does not provide primary research data but mentions Senactiv's role in muscle recovery and performance enhancement. The information should be interpreted as marketing material rather than scientific evidence.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-news/ghost-legend – This blog post discusses Ghost Legend, a pre-workout supplement, and mentions Senactiv as one of its ingredients. It does not provide primary research data on Senactiv but highlights its potential benefits for exercise performance. The information should be considered as secondary and not a primary research source.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-news/muscletech-euphoriq – This blog post reviews MuscleTech Euphoriq and mentions Senactiv as an ingredient. It does not provide primary research data on Senactiv but references its potential benefits for muscle recovery and performance. The information should be considered as secondary and not a primary research source.